The Protest

Editor’s note: On April 15, 2009, our writer participated in the demonstration against the Shia Family Law, which was backed by powerful cleric Sheikh Asif Mohseni. About three hundred women faced angry mobs as they walked two miles to deliver their petition calling for the repeal of the Taliban-like restrictions.

Sleeping shoutsCame out for the first time in their livesBecause they were tired of injustice,Tired of living in a jail, even if it is like a heaven.Because they believe in freedom.

They came out even though they knew they might die.They never experienced a protest, but they wanted to,It could be a huge winOr a defeat.No one could believe these sleeping soulsNow awakened to make historyThat will take many pages in the history book of life!

They did their parts as members of a group.They proved we are human –The same as you –Our difference is not a reason for our weakness.They came out and they did what they wantedEven if they were surrounded with wild animals in human clothes.The animals pushed them back, giving them a feeling of weakness.

But it was their shouts…

I am the same as you – with the same rightsYou can stop my life or keep me at homeBut you can never stop our heartsWe will fly and one day defeat you

I’ll never forget that day, for the first time we found encourage to shout. We know how to change our society and how raise our voice. What we need is more educated women. They know if we have education then we won’t silent. And that is why they prevent us from education.